Fight over new International crossing heats up as it nears conclusion

In his first State of State address Republican Governor Rick Snyder revealed his new bridge cards. Like on many issues, Snyder did not give too many specifics during the campaign about his opinion on the competing  visions.

Surprising many Republicans, Snyder threw his full support behind the publicly owned Detroit International river Crossing (DRIC). Snyder concluded as a businessman that DRIC is good for Michigan business. But that has not stopped the Ambassador Bridge Company to use every weapon available to stop it.

The Detroit Free Press, March 15:
And the governor's team is upping the ante to win over reluctant legislators.

The governor's office already announced in January that the federal government would count Canada's $550-million advance payment to pay to connect the bridge to expressways on the Detroit side of the border as a local match for federal highway funding for Michigan.

But Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun is lining up his big guns to stop a publicly owned bridge that will compete with his privately owned span.

Moroun has hired Fox News conservative commentator Dick Morris as a spokesman for the project, and he has launched a series of ads claiming that the publicly owned bridge would cost Michigan taxpayers $100 million a year to cover shortfalls in operating costs.

This battle is expected. According to Forbes magazine, Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun is one of the 400 richest Americans. He and his company will use every monetary, media, and legal move possible to stop a public bridge and maintain its monopoly. What business owner would not fight to keep his business as profitable as possible?

However, the choice between a public and private bridge is not that simple. If the Michigan legislature approves the DRIC project, construction could start quickly. The Ambassador Bridge Company's proposed twin span may never gain approval, particularly in Canada. It could takes years, perhaps decades of lawsuits.

Republican Oakland County executive L. Brooks Patterson says "The DRIC is the only game in town. If we don’t partner with Canada on this deal and accept its offer of funding, the only alternative is to sit back and watch New York builds its fifth span. I encourage support on this important project.”

Can Governor Snyder convince fellow republicans that hurting one private business (the Ambassador Bridge Company) is far better than hurting all Michigan business?